Wings and Wheels: Four must see, must do events

Friday

Oct 5, 2012 at 1:53 PMOct 5, 2012 at 2:33 PM

The 5th Annual Wings & Wheels Festival will roar into Georgetown this weekend with more events that aim to draw in even bigger crowds. There's a lot to do and see but we've picked out the best four for you.

Christine Miller

The 5th Annual Wings & Wheels Festival will roar into Georgetown this weekend with more events that aim to draw in even bigger crowds.

First, the nuts and bolts:

WHAT 5th Annual Wings & Wheels Festival

WHERE Sussex County Airport, 21553 Rudder Lane, Georgetown

WHEN 6 p.m., Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday

COST Up to $30

INFO www.wings-wheels.com

Here's a guide for what you'll see and what to expect:

1 Flour bombs

One of the highlights of this year's festival will surely be the 2nd Annual World Championship Invitational Bombing Competition. Unlike last year's competition, which was held at an airstrip in western Sussex County, the competition will take place at the airport for everyone to see.

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karen Duffield explained the concept of the competition as an exercise in target practice.

"It consists of tossing one-pound bags of flour out of airplanes at a minimum altitude of 200- eet, with the pilot flour bombing closest to a target on the ground being declared the winner," Duffield said.

2 Vintage rides and entertainment

It wouldn't be a "Wings and Wheels" festival if there weren't wings and wheels, right? Like last year, displays of vintage planes and vehicles will be exhibited. Twenty planes and nearly 300 cars registered in 2011 and people can expect a similar experience this year.

The sounds of the festival will not be limited to the roar of engines. Music from regional bands like Glass Onion and The Skinny Leg Pete Band will be serenading audiences all day. There will also be plenty of food and craft vendors, a few activities for kids and four scheduled jumps by the U.S. Navel Academy's Parachute Team.

3 History comes alive

With so many vintage planes on hand, wouldn't it be nice to hear from some of the men who would have occupied them? The WWII Living History program at Fort Miles aims to take care of that by giving the public a chance to listen as a few remaining WWII veterans tell their stories in person. A re-enactment program of tents, vehicles and authentic memorabilia will also take place, giving listeners and viewers a more accurate idea of what military life was like.

4 Dinner theater

On the eve of Saturday's festivities, lovers of a by-gone era of big time dance music will have the opportunity to hear some vintage tunes at the "Stage Door WWII Camp Show," which is described as a salute to the traditional USO traveling canteen shows of that time.

Duffield said the full-course dinner, which is catered by the Lighthouse Landing Restaurant, and the show that follows is one of the most memorable parts of the weekend.

"There wasn't a dry eye in the hanger last year when the troupe gave a musical salute to those veterans of the armed forces who were in attendance," Duffield said.

Tickets for the evening are $30 and can be purchased online at www.wings-wheels.com or by calling (302) 856-1544.